P3D IMAX 3D Article in Widescreen Magazine

[jacob@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Gabriel Jacob)]

Just a note, there is an interesting article about Imax 3D featured
in the current issue (Vol.6, No.4, Issue 26) of Widescreen Review.
This is a magazine covering Home Theatres. There is a whole 8 pages
covering the whole spectrum of Imax 3D. From the experience, latest
features, 3D then and now, projection, and quite a bit devoted to
sound production, since the author comes from an audio background. 

In describing the sound system, I never realized the sophistication
of producing the audio portion of Imax 3D. Regarding the headset they
mention its function is not only to view 3D but is also an integral
part of the sound system. The headset is also available without the
LCS so that the sound portion can be used for other attractions,
exhibits or rides. This is interesting, since in 3D we generally
think having to wear stuff on our heads is a detriment to 3D ever 
becoming popular.

The article also touches on two topics that were asked here in P3D.
One was from Daniel asking about that mysterious 3D movie device from
the 1920's. They don't mention the company that made it but do say
in their brief history of 3D that one system used a pair of inter-
locking projectors and every seat had a rotating shutter disk
attached to it.

It does also mention that while most 50's 3D movies were polaroid,
a few of the B&W featurs such as Creature from the Black Lagoon and
The Maze were anaglyph. Is this true?

The other question answered in this article is, do they clean the
headsets after each showing? Well at least in the N.Y.C. Sony
500 seat IMAX they do! They keep on hand 2000 headsets. While one
batch (of 500) are being used, a second batch are waiting for the
next theatre goers. A third set undergo cleaning in special sanitizing
machines, with a fourth batch for backup. The earspeakers are water
proof.

Finally it mentions new theatres (no mention of the one in London)
such as the one opening soon in San Francisco and new coming
attractions. Keep that butter warm on the pop corn. :-)

Gabriel 



------------------------------

End of PHOTO-3D Digest 2544
***************************